Friday, May 05, 2006

Canada: Comwave Accuses Rogers of Anti-Competitive Conduct

Comwave Telecom Inc. said on Friday it filed an application with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, alleging Rogers Communications Inc. is putting “unduly” restrictions on the way it provides telecommunications services to its smaller rival.

The restrictions have to deal with local number portability (LNP) service, which allows local phone customers to keep their phone number when they switch carriers, according to Comwave. Rogers will only process 10 Comwave LNP requests each day, Comwave said, adding that Rogers won't handle LNP requests from Rogers phone subscribers when they want to move to Comwave.

Comwave also said on Friday that it filed a claim for $3.7-million in damages against Rogers in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleging breach of contract. None of the allegations has been proven.